The viaduct carries an average 90,000 vehicles each day. Closing the structure will have a significant effect on both the morning and evening commutes across the region.

“We are asking commuters to do everything they can to change their commutes,” said David Sowers, deputy administrator of the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program. “Drivers can expect heavy congestion throughout the day. In addition, we expect the morning and evening peak commutes will start earlier and last longer.”

Commute planning resources
WSDOT’s web page, 99closure.org, contains a wealth of tips, maps and other resources designed to help commuters modify their commute.

More buses and additional stops: King County Metro is rerouting 12 routes and deploying 22 standby buses to help maintain schedules. New temporary stops have been created near the Link SODO Station to help commuters transfer between buses and trains south of downtown.

More water taxi capacity: King County Water Taxi will add five extra round trips to its Vashon route and will provide additional parking and connector shuttle capacity for West Seattle route passengers.

Information sharing: Agencies are working together, sharing information and making any changes, with an operational plan designed to help keep traffic moving and help drivers make informed travel choices.